Kurultai Adopts Quota Roll as Steppe Clan Stands Aside

TALAS — The Kurultai of the Iradi Freedom Society has adopted a quota roll that divides the seasonal bulk trade contracts among the clans in proportion to the herd numbers each reports to the Chancellery, according to a letter the Chancellery sent to the UN mission and accounts from delegates returning from the plateau.

The Boztorgoy, the leading steppe clan, whose pastures lie closest to the northern crossings, had until now held a share of contracts and travel permits that other clans considered out of proportion. Its biy, Sabyrbek Duishön uulu, did not lay his whip on the felt, which would have stopped the matter. The clan instead “stood aside”, letting the roll pass while being excused from those of its terms that concern its own land.

Delegates said the decision was sealed with a bata and entered in the Kurultai ledger. Bektur Zhumabek uulu, who reports the assembly’s decisions to outsiders, said the roll would “end arguments at the crossings before they start”.

The contracts, for diesel, grain and medicines, are settled in escrow at Talasbank, and the tribal travel permits issued by clan councils are registered by the Gendarmerie at the crossings. A spokesman for the ISEZ administration said the distribution of contracts was a matter for the tribal side.